A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ephesus vs. Helsinki for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Ephesus or Helsinki?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ephesus or Helsinki, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Ephesus or Helsinki?

Ephesus

The ancient city of Ephesus was famed for the Temple of Artemis (completed around 550 BC). It is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The temple was destroyed in 401 AD and rebuilt by Emperor Constantine I along with new public baths. The town was again partially destroyed by an earthquake in 614 AD. The city's importance as a commercial center declined as the harbor was slowly silted up by the Cayster River (Kucuk Menderes).

Helsinki

Helsinki is the capital of Finland and dates back to 1550. Helsinki is an international metropolis with a diverse population, but also a small town vibe. The city itself has a population of just over 600,000 but the metropolitan area, including Espoo and Vantaa, has a population of more than 1.3 million. There are many outdoor bars and cafes that take advantage of the warmer summer months. During this time there are long days, and the population floods into the street after a long and cold winter, so visiting during the summer is a fun and lively experience.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best Budget Tours to Finland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland.


Which place is cheaper, Helsinki or Ephesus?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ephesus is $143, while the average daily cost in Helsinki is $149. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Ephesus and Helsinki in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ephesus $70
    Helsinki $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ephesus $140
    Helsinki $156
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Helsinki

Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Helsinki? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Ephesus


Hotels in Helsinki


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Ephesus Hotel Prices and Helsinki Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ephesus $51
    Helsinki $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ephesus

Also for Ephesus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • VIP Transfer Kusadasi From/To Bodrum Airport: $128
  • Transfer izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Kusadasi Davutlar: $98
  • Scuba Diving Experience in Kusadasi with Instructor and Transfer: $60
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Kusadasi Town: $131
  • Private Transfers İzmir City Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Selçuk, Ephesus, Şirince: $131
  • Private Transfers From Kusadasi: $173
  • Private Transfer | KUSADASI - IZMIR Airport: $120
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi hotels to Kusadasi Cruise Port: $22
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi hotels to Kusadasi Cruise Port: $24
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Kusadasi hotels: $24
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Kusadasi Hotels: $22
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Izmir Airport (ADB): $58

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki

Also for Helsinki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private City Highlights Tour with Transfer: $738
  • Guided Tallinn Day Tour from Helsinki / Include hotel transfers: $218
  • Helsinki Private Transfer: $158
  • VIP Airport transfers by new cars in Helsinki: $152
  • VIP Airport transfers in Helsinki region: $152
  • PRIVATE Helsinki VIP Transfer: $147
  • VIP Transfer HELSINKI: $147
  • Helsinki Airport (HEL): One-Way Transfer to/from Helsinki: $144
  • Helsinki Stopover Tour with Round-Trip Airport Transfers: $139
  • VIP Transfer Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to city in a Porsche Taycan: $136
  • Helsinki Airport VIP Transfers: Exclusive Comfort&Efficiency: $134
  • Helsinki Airport (HEL): Transfer to Helsinki Cruise Terminal: $129

Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Helsinki?

Prices for flights to both Helsinki and Ephesus change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Ephesus $33
    Helsinki $37
Typical Food Prices in Ephesus

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ephesus:


  • Sandwiches
    $0.15
  • Dessert
    $0.17
  • Lunch at Beach (for 2)
    $0.59
  • Snacks
    $0.25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ephesus

For Ephesus, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Cooking Class in Kusadasi Ephesus: $110
  • Ephesus Tour with Cooking Class in the Village: $149
  • Taste of Traditional Turkish Cuisine | Small Group Kusadasi Food Tour: $211
  • Cooking Class in Ephesus Selcuk Town: $228

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Helsinki

For Helsinki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • FOOD Tour with Rooftop Bar Visit in Helsinki: $106
  • FOOD Tour with Roof Top Bar in Helsinki: $108
  • Helsinki Food Tour Including Tastings: $164

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ephesus $59
    Helsinki $29

Tours and Activities in Ephesus

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ephesus.

  • Ephesus Half Day Small Group Tour: $40
  • Ephesus Shared Tour from Kuşadası Port: $130
  • Ephesus Tour With Small Group From Kusadasi: $76
  • Ephesus Tour from Kusadası Port: $44
  • Ephesus small groups Tour For Cruisers (skip the line): $100
  • Ephesus tours Sirince Village from Kusadasi Port with lunch: $63
  • Ephesus tours and Virgin Mary's House Temple Artemis tours : $67
  • Private Tour Ephesus for Cruise Guests : $250
  • Private Tour to Ephesus, Virgin Mary, and Artemis Temple From Cruise Ship/Hotel: $120
  • Small Group Pamukkale Day Tour from Selcuk or Kusadası : $93
  • "Ephesus Tours" Port Kusadasi lunch guide bus shopping Caravanserai artemis : $58
  • "No Better Way to Explore History - Affordable Ephesus Tour": $30

Tours and Activities in Helsinki

For Helsinki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2-Hours Private Modern Boat Tour in Helsinki Archipelago: $284
  • 3 Hours Helsinki Stopover Tour from Airport: $98
  • 3-Hour Helsinki Private Walking Tour: $235
  • A Finntastic Walking Tour in Helsinki: $26
  • Adventure Day: $44
  • All-in-One Helsinki Shore Excursion for Cruise Ships: $1,043
  • CITY Tour with Food Tasting in Helsinki: $106
  • CITY Tour with Food Tasting in Helsinki: $163
  • Cozy Guided City Tour: Helsinki & Porvoo: $96
  • E-Bike rental / Self-Guided tour to Seurasaari: $52
  • First Time in Helsinki Tour: $332
  • From 3-Day Return Cruise to Stockholm & Breakfast: $139

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ephesus $15
    Helsinki $17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ephesus

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Ephesus from other travelers:


  • Beer
    $0.12

Sample the Local Flavors in Ephesus

Also in Ephesus, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Skip-the-line Ephesus & Wine Tasting Tour From Kusadasi Port: $53
  • Ephesus port tours and Wine Tasting Tours : $70
  • Ephesus&Sirince Village with Wine Tasting Shore Ex: $100
  • Ephesus and Sirince with Wine tasting Private Half Day Shore Excursion: $100
  • Ancient Ephesus tour with Wine Tasting in the village and visit to Mother's Mary House: $130
  • Private Ephesus Tour with Wine Tasting: $134
  • Virgin Mary Bread and Wine Tour included Lunch: $300


When comparing the travel costs between Ephesus and Helsinki, we can see that Helsinki is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ephesus Expensive? and Is Helsinki Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Helsinki?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Helsinki, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Ephesus or Helsinki?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Ephesus or Helsinki in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Helsinki. Also, many travelers come to Helsinki for the family-friendly experiences.

Ephesus is much warmer than Helsinki in the summer. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Helsinki fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Helsinki this time of the year. In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Helsinki during summer. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Helsinki receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Helsinki. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ephesus 27°C (81°F) 
    Helsinki 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Helsinki in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Helsinki. Also, many visitors come to Helsinki in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Ephesus is much warmer than Helsinki. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ephesus in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Helsinki averages at about 6°C (42°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In the autumn, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Helsinki. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Helsinki receives 90 hours of full sun.

Ephesus usually gets less rain in October than Helsinki. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ephesus 19°C (66°F) 
    Helsinki 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Helsinki in the Winter?

Both Helsinki and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Helsinki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Helsinki can be very cold during winter. In January, Ephesus is generally much warmer than Helsinki. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 10°C (50°F), and Helsinki fluctuates around -6°C (21°F).

Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Helsinki during winter. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Helsinki receives 39 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Ephesus. In January, Ephesus usually receives more rain than Helsinki. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ephesus 10°C (50°F) 
    Helsinki -6°C (21°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Helsinki in the Spring?

Both Helsinki and Ephesus during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Helsinki can be very cold. Ephesus is much warmer than Helsinki in the spring. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Helsinki fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

It's quite sunny in Ephesus. In the spring, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Helsinki. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Helsinki receives 183 hours of full sun.

Ephesus usually gets less rain in April than Helsinki. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ephesus 15°C (59°F) 
    Helsinki 3°C (37°F)

Typical Weather for Helsinki and Ephesus

Ephesus Helsinki
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) -6°C (21°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) -3°C (27°F) 34 mm (1.4 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 9°C (49°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 17°C (62°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 16°C (60°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 1°C (33°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) -4°C (26°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)